“Behind each farm gate there’s a whole new world” says Minister Charlie McConalogue

Over 150 attended a recent open day event on a Letterkenny farm which was organised by Social Farming Ireland 

The Harley brothers, one of whom Patrick, hosts participants on his farm each week from local HSE mental health services in Letterkenny. Harleys farm which overlooks Letterkenny town is very close to local services making it very accessible for participants.

Social farming involves using ordinary working farms to provide social, educational, and therapeutic activities for individuals who may benefit from the farm's setting and activities. It offers a range of benefits, such as improved health and well-being, skill development, and social connection opportunities.

Patrick Harley became involved in social farming while we were still in the throes of the pandemic, attending training provided by Social Farming Ireland in 2021, some of which were delivered in farm sheds.

Patrick has found the social farming experience truly rewarding for both himself and his family, and the participants are loving their time on the farm also.

For the open day on Patrick's farm, there were some talks first in the large shed where everyone gathered, then a farm walk to see what is offered to participants. As well as the usual farm maintenance activities there is the care of the sheep and the Dexter cattle, and the maintenance of forestry and

hedgerows on the farm so there is a nice variety on offer to the participants.

The gathering also heard that renewable energy is also central to the running of the farm where willow is grown, harvested and dried on-site for use as wood chips to heat the family home.

Their pride in the farm was evident on the day with a large crowd being hosted by many members of the Harley family and plenty of home-cooked treats on offer for the visitors.

Patrick spoke about the fun that happens particularly around the kitchen table and how important the ‘social’ is in social farming.

A section of the large crowd at the event in Letterkenny

On the day visitors also got to hear from a number of participants and those supporting them.

The Mayor of Letterkenny Cllr Donal Mandy Kelly spoke about how pleased Donegal County Council were to support social farming through the Disability Participation and Awareness fund from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

Having experienced farm life himself he can truly appreciate how beneficial it can be for many people.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue was the final speaker on the day and was excited to see the interest in social farming and hear about the great benefits and the great potential it has for rural communities.

He thanked the farmers for what is a great ‘gift’ that they give people through social farming.and said: “Behind each farm gate is a whole new world and its wonderful to open this up for people in communities to benefit from it and participate in it". 

Commenting on the contributions on the day he said hearing the lived experience of participants is so important, especially Veronica and Louise, and he will work with his ministerial colleagues on mainstreaming and the further development of the social farming offering in Ireland.

The four other farmers in Donegal who also spoke on the day all spoke glowingly about the participants they had in their farm and how rewarding they found the experience of opening up their farm to those in need of support.

Social Farming Ireland would love to hear from any farmers interested particularly from the Finn Valley area.

For more information go to socialfarmingireland.ie where you can complete a registration of your interest as a farmer or request information as a participant or someone supporting a possible participant. You can also call (071) 9641772 for further information.